Transcript Highlights:

• I love taking outreach to rural areas. That part of the bill seems like a super cool idea.

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, a roll call showing 27 present, and approval of the prior journal. Members then introduced guests, including representatives of the Arizona Fair Association, Mohave County fair staff, a constituent guest, a physician candidate shadowing a senator, Father David Myers, and the Doctor of the Day. The chamber also received messages and read a long list of bills placed on second reading. The Committee of the Whole considered three measures. SB 1268, a veterans property tax exemption cleanup bill, was explained as clarifying that the exemption applies to a veteran’s primary residence and, if jointly owned, still counts as 100 percent; it received a do pass recommendation. SB 1051, requiring hospitals to collect and report patient immigration-status information for accounting purposes, drew extensive debate. Supporters said it would improve accountability for hospital spending and taxpayer costs, while opponents argued it would intimidate patients, discourage care, burden hospitals, and target immigrants unfairly. Despite repeated points of order and appeals over germaneness and remarks, the bill advanced on a 16-13 vote. SB 1316, creating a rural health transformation fund process with public hearings and JLBC involvement, was presented as a transparency measure for roughly $167 million in federal rural health funds; supporters favored legislative input, while opponents said it added bureaucracy and could delay care. It advanced 17-13. The Committee of the Whole reported all three bills do pass, and the Senate adopted the report. HB 2792 was substituted for SB 1268 as an identical measure and passed with the emergency clause by a 29-1 vote. SB 1123 and SB 1145 also passed, and SB 1125, dealing with child safety and communication with tribal nations regarding group homes, passed unanimously 30-0. SB 1316 passed 17-13, and SB 1051 passed 17-13 after a lengthy floor debate in which supporters framed it as a fiscal/accountability measure and opponents called it harmful, anti-immigrant, and likely to deter medical care. The Senate then announced committee meetings for the next day and adjourned until Wednesday, February 11, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• things that I think of is somebody who runs a chamber that focuses on small businesses is, what outreach

Summary: The committee first heard SB 20, as amended, which would limit prior authorization for certain medications used to treat serious mental illness and extend prior authorization approvals for other chronic maintenance drugs to three years. The sponsor and supporters said the bill would reduce treatment interruptions and administrative burden for patients, clinicians, and pharmacies, while opponents argued the three-year period could raise safety concerns, reduce annual clinical review, and increase costs and premiums. After public testimony and committee discussion, the bill passed on a 7-2 vote. The committee then considered SB 21, as amended, establishing an annual Medigap open enrollment period with guaranteed issue protections for eligible Medicare beneficiaries already enrolled in Medigap plans. The Aging and Long-Term Services Department said the measure would give seniors more flexibility to change plans as their needs and premiums change, and OSI said premium impacts were expected to be limited. An amendment setting the effective date at January 1, 2027 was adopted, and the bill passed unanimously. Next, the committee heard SB 177, a large economic development package centered on quantum, advanced energy, defense, and related workforce and research investments. The sponsor and administration witnesses described New Mexico as uniquely positioned to attract major private and federal investment, while members raised questions about guardrails, reporting, use of the Research and Development Fund, and whether EDD could manage the spending and educational components. An amendment removed the public safety section, a technical title fix was adopted, and the bill passed 9-1. The committee also took up SB 189, which would protect existing coverage and expand insurance coverage for reproductive and gender-affirming care, including mid-year enrollment options for pregnancy and coverage for double electric breast pumps. Supporters said the bill would prevent abrupt coverage changes and ensure access to care, while opponents objected to abortion-related coverage and argued existing law and Medicaid already cover much of the care. A motion to table failed, and the bill then passed 6-4. Finally, the committee unanimously passed Senate Memorial 6 honoring golfer Nancy Lopez and her New Mexico roots and achievements.

Transcript Highlights:

• I love taking outreach to rural areas. That part of the bill seems like a super cool idea.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It requires the AG to develop certain materials for employers and workers and to conduct outreach and

Bills: SB6197, SB6158, SB6302, SB5437, SB6117, SB5852, SB5847, SB6067, SB6152, SB6136

Keywords: SB 6197, plumbing contractor, plumber, contractor licensing, licensing enforcement, infractions, administrative penalties, license suspension, certificate suspension, endorsement suspension, registration suspension, Department of Labor and Industries, advisory board of plumbers, penalty schedule, repeat violations, workplace standards, construction trades, professional licensing, Washington state, factory built housing

Transcript Highlights:

• It requires the AG to develop certain materials for employers and workers and to conduct outreach and

Summary: The Labor and Commerce Committee held public hearings and later executive action on several bills. Senate Bill 6158, by request of L&I, would update factory-built housing and commercial structure rules to incorporate International Code Council standards and allow qualified third-party inspectors approved by L&I; the sponsor said it would make modular housing inspections more efficient and cost-effective, and L&I supported it with a requested technical amendment and no fiscal impact. Senate Bill 6197 would separate plumbing discipline standards for residential and nonresidential work, allowing suspension after five infractions in five years for nonresidential violations while keeping the current three-in-36-month standard for residential work; supporters from mechanical contractors, union plumbers, and a plumbing advisory board member said it would curb unlicensed work and unsafe practices, while opponents from contractor groups and some plumbing businesses argued it was too punitive, did not adequately distinguish commercial service from construction, and should be refined. L&I said it needed time to implement and asked for a later effective date. During executive session, the committee adopted a proposed substitute and advanced Senate Bill 5437, which voids noncompetition covenants, with a delayed effective date and other conforming changes; some Republicans opposed it as too broad. The committee also advanced Senate Bill 6117, which would extend PERC jurisdiction and state collective-bargaining protections if federal labor law no longer applies, after rejecting an amendment that would have narrowed coverage further. Senate Bill 5852, dealing with immigrant worker protections during federal I-9 inspections, advanced after the committee rejected an amendment to remove the private right of action. Senate Bill 5847, on workers’ compensation medical care and treatment access, advanced with an amendment removing penalty provisions and another adding claims manager positions; the bill was sent to Ways and Means. Senate Bills 6067 and 6136 also advanced, the former changing workers’ compensation health benefit calculations and the latter requiring L&I to publish actuarially indicated industrial insurance rates. The committee then heard Senate Bill 6302, which would address misclassification in finishing trades on public works by limiting contractors and subcontractors to no more than two independent contractors on covered finishing work such as drywall, flooring, tile, painting, and glazier work, with violators treated as employees for prevailing wage and workers’ compensation purposes. Supporters from building trades and pipefitters said the bill would reduce misclassification, protect workers, and level the playing field; opponents from general contractors and contractor associations said it would effectively ban legitimate independent contractors, reduce flexibility on public projects, and hurt small businesses. L&I said it had clarifying questions about how the cap would apply and asked for more specificity.

Transcript Highlights:

• First, there is a significant need for outreach on U.S. DOT regulations.

Bills: HB2347, HB2410

Keywords: luxury aircraft tax, tax reduction, economic impact, business aviation, state revenue, HB2410, commercial truck safety, commercial vehicle safety, trucking industry, truck driver training, driver education, highway safety, traffic safety commission, Washington State, commercial motor vehicles, vehicle registration fee, IRP fee, state patrol highway account, safety enforcement fee, public-private partnership

Transcript Highlights:

• Career Services has cut employer site visits and reduced internship outreach.

Bills: SB6251, SB6259, SB6325, SB5978, SB6209, SB6217, SB6227, SB6235

Keywords: medical school, medical education, letter grades, grading system, pass/fail, tiered grading, student assessment, curriculum, University of Washington, Washington State University, School of Medicine, physician training, academic standards, coursework evaluation, RCW 28B, SB 6259, Washington, state financial aid, higher education, public college

Transcript Highlights:

• AG Mays has done more outreach to the people of Arizona than any attorney general in my memory.

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, attendance, approval of the prior journal, and several guest introductions, including Arizona agricultural producers and suppliers and sixth graders from James W. Rice Elementary School. The chamber then moved through a lengthy calendar of first- and second-reading bill references and committee reports, with no substantive debate on those items recorded in the transcript. The main floor action centered on Senate Resolution 1036, which was converted from a concurrent resolution to a Senate resolution and brought forward under a suspension of rules. The resolution condemned Attorney General Chris Mays for public comments about the use of force and law enforcement, and called on her to retract, clarify, and resign. Senators debated whether the resolution was a necessary public safety response or a politically motivated stunt, with supporters arguing Mays’ remarks endangered officers and opponents saying the resolution misquoted her and was being rushed without committee review or public input. A floor amendment was adopted, and after extended debate the Senate passed SR 1036 on a 17-13 vote. After the resolution vote, the Senate briefly returned to personal privileges, including an introduction of visitors connected to civics education, and then recessed and adjourned until Monday, February 2, 2026. The transcript does not show any other bill final actions beyond the SR 1036 vote and the routine referral and reporting of other measures.

Transcript Highlights:

• First, there is a significant need for outreach on U.S. DOT regulations.

Summary: The committee first held a public hearing on House Bill 2410, which would establish a commercial truck safety and education council, increase the commercial vehicle safety enforcement fee from $16 to $32, and direct the new revenue to a dedicated account for truck safety and training programs. Committee staff outlined the bill’s CDL and training requirements, council structure, confidentiality provisions, and fiscal impacts. The prime sponsor said the bill was intended to improve truck safety through industry-led education and noted that a substitute was expected because details still needed work. Testimony from the Washington Trucking Associations, insurers, the Association of Washington Business, and the Washington Traffic Safety Commission was generally supportive of the safety goals, though the commission said operational details and agency roles still needed clarification. No vote was taken on the bill during the hearing. The committee then heard House Bill 2347, which would repeal the recently enacted luxury aircraft tax on non-commercial aircraft valued above $500,000. Staff explained that the tax is scheduled to take effect April 1 and that repeal would reduce revenue to the Sustainable Aviation Fuel account. Representative Dent, the sponsor, argued the tax is harming business aviation, emergency services, wildfire response, agricultural operations, and rural access, and said aircraft and related jobs were already leaving the state. Most public testimony came from aviation businesses, airport operators, industry associations, and related employers, all urging repeal and warning of aircraft departures, lost hangar tenants, reduced fuel sales, and job losses. One witness from the Port of Seattle supported addressing the tax’s impact but urged working toward a narrower fix rather than full repeal so sustainable aviation fuel funding would remain stable. After closing the hearing on HB 2347, the committee received a work session on tolling technology. Transportation Commission staff presented the results of a pilot using a smartphone app to support toll collection, explaining that the current tolling system remains accurate but that new technologies could reduce costs and improve flexibility over time. The pilot found high accuracy when the app was paired to a vehicle by Bluetooth, lower accuracy without pairing, strong customer satisfaction, and some privacy concerns. The commission recommended keeping the current system in place for now, conducting a more fully operational smartphone-based pilot in the near term, and eventually developing a broader technology marketplace for future tolling systems. Members asked about the role of tags versus apps, video tolling accuracy, and the timeline for replacing existing tolling methods. The meeting ended with adjournment for caucus.

Transcript Highlights:

• AG Mays has done more outreach to the people of Arizona than any attorney general in my memory.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• cattle feeder Tim Cooley of Maricopa, Arizona, and our director of social marketing and consumer outreach

Summary: The House Committee on Land, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs began with member and staff introductions, then heard a committee of reference presentation from the Arizona Beef Council. The council described its checkoff-funded promotion, education, and research work for Arizona beef producers, including consumer education, classroom materials, nutrition tours, and social media outreach. After questions about the funding structure and what would happen if the council were not continued, the committee voted to recommend continuation of the Arizona Beef Council for eight years, until July 1, 2034, by voice vote. The committee then considered HB 2155, which also continued the Arizona Beef Council for eight years. Members discussed the purpose of the council and the use of checkoff dollars, and the bill received a due pass recommendation on a 7-1 vote. HB 2156, which appropriated money to the livestock compensation fund for wolf depredation losses, was amended to set the amount at $250,000 for fiscal year 2027 and then passed 5-2, with supporters emphasizing rancher compensation and opponents raising concerns about transparency, conflicts of interest, and whether the fund had fully used prior appropriations. HB 2162, requiring at least one Arizona Game and Fish Commission member to be a cattleman or rancher, drew testimony both for and against. Supporters argued ranchers deserve direct representation on wildlife policy, while opponents said ranchers already have influence through the appointment process and that the commission should represent broader public interests. The chair ultimately announced he would hold the bill rather than advance it at that time. The committee then passed HB 2762, which requires disclaimers on cultivated-cell food products, on a 5-3 vote after debate over federal labeling rules and consumer transparency, and HB 2791, which bans the sale of cell-cultured protein and makes violations a felony, also on a 5-3 vote after testimony about innovation, consumer choice, and concerns about the product’s safety and impact on traditional agriculture. The committee adjourned after completing its agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• but then we have districts with uncharted, unreported, unorganized programs doing this statewide outreach

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So again, that's why we've ended up neutral on the bill and appreciate the outreach and the work.

Bills: SB5903, SB6037, SB5983, SB5995, SB6016, SB6066

Keywords: cemetery districts, elections, local governance, public policy, administrative procedures, fire protection, districts, emergency services, funding, legislation, tax exemption, land transfer, governmental entity, property tax, current use classification, zero emission, cargo handling, port district, environmental impact, grant allocation

Transcript Highlights:

• So again, that's why we've ended up neutral on the bill and appreciate the outreach and the work.

Summary: The Senate Local Government and State Parks Committee heard several bills focused on local government finance, land use, and public safety. SB 5903 would deem a cemetery district commissioner elected if only one qualified candidate files, with sponsor Senator Cortez saying it would save ballot-printing costs and local resources; there was no testimony in opposition. SB 6037 would create or modify a voter-approved option for cities and towns to form a single-city fire protection district, adjust levy and notice rules, allow administrative service contracts with the city, and clarify commissioner elections; Senator Cortez and multiple city and fire officials said it would give communities more flexible, locally controlled funding tools for fire service, while committee members asked about how it would work and the fiscal impact. SB 5983 would exempt certain current-use land transferred to a government entity for right-of-way from rollback taxes when the transfer is tied to development conditions and stays within a 20% acreage limit; Senator Leas described it as helping a family farm avoid an unfair tax bill, and there was no testimony on the bill. The committee also heard SB 5995, which would remove the 2031 sunset on the prohibition against using port funds to buy fully automated marine container cargo handling equipment. The sponsor and labor witnesses argued the bill protects jobs, keeps public dollars from underwriting automation, and still allows zero-emission, human-operated equipment; port and labor representatives testified in strong support, while the sign-in sheet showed substantial public interest both for and against. SB 6016 would change how urban growth area swaps treat critical aquifer recharge areas, making the rules for annual and periodic updates more consistent and allowing swaps if they do not increase net CARA acreage within the UGA; the sponsor, Commerce, housing, business, and development interests said it was a technical fix that supports housing and consistency, while one witness warned it could weaken groundwater protections and create litigation risk. Finally, the committee heard SB 6066, which would let counties, cities, towns, or WSDOT designate “accident risk zones” on roads with repeated crashes, require a public hearing and engineering review, double certain traffic penalties in the zone, and dedicate half the extra revenue to safety improvements before dissolving the zone. Supporters from cities, counties, and Pasco said it could help address dangerous intersections and fund fixes, though several witnesses raised liability and implementation concerns and asked for further stakeholder work. No votes were taken in the transcript; the chair closed each hearing after testimony and sign-in counts were noted.

Transcript Highlights:

• of the Working Families Tax Credit in 2021, and many of our members have engaged in significant outreach

Summary: House Finance heard testimony on two affordable housing bills. House Bill 1859 would expand an existing density bonus for housing on religious organization property by lowering the affordability threshold from 100% to at least 50% affordable units, requiring local policies to implement the bonus upon request, and creating a new state and local sales and use tax exemption for qualifying projects with at least 50% affordable units maintained for 10 years. The sponsor and supporters said the bill would help projects on church-owned land pencil out amid high construction and financing costs, while a county association raised concern that the bill would create an unfunded mandate for local planning departments. Several witnesses also asked that homeownership projects be explicitly included, and staff confirmed the exemption would be administered through an exemption certificate. The committee then moved to House Bill 1717, which would authorize cities and counties to create a local sales and use tax remittance program for affordable housing developments. Staff said the remittance would cover 100% of local taxes paid after project completion, with a 50% affordable housing threshold and 40-year affordability requirement, and the sponsor and local government and housing advocates supported it as a flexible tool to reduce development costs. Testifiers generally backed both bills, with some asking for more flexibility on income targeting and clarification on county-city interactions under HB 1717. No votes were taken; both public hearings were closed and the committee adjourned after a separate work session on the Working Families Tax Credit, where advocates urged broader eligibility, higher benefit amounts, and easier access, and a California researcher described data-linking methods used to improve tax credit take-up.

Transcript Highlights:

• centers in the state, how much of the funding is going toward actual direct patient care, education, outreach

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services heard a presentation on the governor’s proposed fiscal year 2026-27 budget for the health and human services silo, which totals $48.5 billion. Agency leaders outlined major requests for AHCA, APD, DCF, DOEA, DOH, and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, including behavioral health redesign, Medicaid rate changes, developmental disability services, child welfare and opioid programs, senior services, cancer research, public health initiatives, and veterans’ facility and technology needs. The committee also received an overview of the overall state budget, which was described as $117.4 billion, up 1.1% from the current year. AHCA’s presentation focused on $71.6 million for a Medicaid behavioral health redesign, including funding for residential treatment, a serious mental illness waiver, and higher inpatient psychiatric rates for youth, plus $7.1 million to raise private duty nursing reimbursement in fee-for-service Medicaid, $2.5 million for the background screening clearinghouse, and $124.4 million for the Health Care Connection System (FX). APD requested funding to continue moving people off the pre-enrollment list and to support developmental disability centers, a new forensic facility, an electronic health record system, and higher operating costs. DCF highlighted $81.9 million for eligibility and system integrity, $187.5 million for opioid prevention and treatment, $35.5 million for community-based care lead agencies, and $72.7 million to expand behavioral health bed capacity, including 474 new beds at state hospitals. DOEA sought additional funding for Alzheimer’s services, home care, and community care for the elderly. DOH emphasized $278 million for cancer research and innovation, $5 million for food and product safety testing, $5 million for the Florida FIRST blood-on-ambulance initiative, and $5.7 million for a public lab feasibility study. Veterans Affairs requested funds for facility improvements, cybersecurity, and medication management equipment. Members asked detailed questions about several items, especially the proposed changes to the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP), which would reduce eligibility and the number of people served. Senators and public witnesses criticized the lack of transparency and urged the department to pause the changes and work with stakeholders; the Surgeon General said the issue was driven by funding constraints and federal changes, not a legal barrier, and that the agency was exploring alternatives. Questions also addressed the Office of Minority Health and Health Equity, the Kids Care/CHIP expansion implementation, the cancer research funding structure, and the timeline and cost of the FX system. Public testimony focused heavily on ADAP, with speakers warning that thousands could lose medication access and calling for community involvement and a review of the program’s finances. The committee adjourned after the presentations and questions, with no votes taken on the budget items during this meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• centers in the state, how much of the funding is going toward actual direct patient care, education, outreach

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services heard presentations on the governor’s proposed fiscal year 2026-2027 budget for the health and human services agencies. Kendall Kelly outlined the overall HHS budget at $48.5 billion, with AHCA accounting for the largest share, and agency heads then highlighted major proposals for Medicaid behavioral health redesign, APD waiver enrollment and facility needs, DCF child welfare, opioid, and mental health investments, DOEA funding for Alzheimer’s, home care, and community services, DOH funding for cancer research, public health initiatives, and lab capacity, and VA funding for facility improvements, cybersecurity, and medication management. Several members praised specific proposals, including increased reimbursement for private duty nursing, Alzheimer’s supports, and the Florida FIRST blood-in-ambulance initiative. Senators also questioned the proposed changes to the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP), with the Surgeon General explaining that the department expects a reduction in covered patients from about 30,000 to about 20,000 because of funding pressures tied to rebates, federal changes, and premium tax credit issues. Public testimony strongly criticized the ADAP changes, citing lack of transparency and warning that many patients could lose access to medications. Other questions focused on the Office of Minority Health and Health Equity, DCF’s substance abuse and mental health data dashboard, Kids Care/CHIP expansion implementation, APD bed and facility planning, and the FX Medicaid technology project. DCF said about $7 million is set aside for the dashboard system, and AHCA said the governor’s budget includes $124.4 million for FX maintenance and continued module development, with $13.5 million to begin claims processing work. The committee did not take a substantive vote on the budget presentations and adjourned after questions and public testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's really going to help to build Florida, so don't forget outreach to grandparents.

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Higher Education met to hear confirmation testimony for a large slate of university and state college trustees. Most of the discussion centered on the nominees’ backgrounds, ties to their institutions, and priorities such as student success, workforce development, financial sustainability, research growth, housing, and maintaining or improving university rankings. Several University of Florida trustees emphasized campus improvements, “One UF” integration, institutional neutrality, and ambitions to move UF into the top tier nationally. Other nominees highlighted goals for Florida A&M, Florida Atlantic, UCF, Florida State, Florida Poly, the Florida Prepaid College Board, and several state colleges, with recurring themes of affordability, economic mobility, cybersecurity, and keeping Florida students in-state for college and careers. Public testimony was heard on the Florida A&M appointment, where Elijah Hooks spoke in opposition to the current administration and described his expulsion, arrest, and trespass from the university after protesting the selection of President Marva Johnson. During questioning of FAU nominee Tina Vidal-Duart, senators asked about her prior service on the Hope Florida Foundation board and about reports concerning CDR Health’s contracting practices; she said she was not aware of the foundation issues at the time and noted that CDR’s state contract was a flat daily rate, so subcontractor pricing affected only the company’s internal margins. Other nominees received little or no questioning. At the end of the meeting, the committee voted to confirm all nominees except Tina Vidal-Duart separately. Senator Bracy Davis requested the separate vote and opposed her confirmation, citing concerns related to her Hope Florida Foundation board service. Despite that objection, the committee ultimately voted to report Vidal-Duart favorably as well. The committee also noted that one University of West Florida nominee would be taken up at a later hearing because he was unable to attend.

Transcript Highlights:

• So we do outreach to all of these providers. >> So since you're saying the premise of the 90% is inaccurate

Transcript Highlights:

• I myself deal mostly with outreach and education, so those are things that we're trying to work on as

Summary: The committee held a panel discussion on micro-mobility device regulation and enforcement, focusing on e-bikes and e-scooters. Sheriff Robert Hardwick and Chief Jamie Cruz described serious injuries involving children, including crashes at high speeds, and argued that current law is outdated because it folds e-bikes into the bicycle statute. They urged a separate statewide framework with clearer age limits, licensing or training requirements, helmet rules, and penalties for modifying devices to go faster. Both also emphasized that parents should bear responsibility and that enforcement should include education, progressive discipline, and, if needed, civil citations. FDOT District 6 Secretary Daniel Iglesias and DHSMV representative Lonnie Groner said their agencies are prioritizing education, outreach, and better data collection. They noted that micromobility devices are increasingly common, create safety and accessibility issues on sidewalks and shared-use paths, and are difficult to track because crash reports often do not identify them consistently. Members discussed whether motorized devices should be barred from sidewalks, whether riders should be licensed and insured, and how enforcement could be made uniform statewide. The panel also said manufacturers have not been meaningfully engaged and that local approaches vary widely. The committee then heard 2026 legislative priorities from FDOT Secretary Jared Perdue and DHSMV Executive Director Dave Kerner. Perdue outlined FDOT’s large five-year work program, ongoing congestion-relief projects, investments in ports, airports, rail, workforce, heavy equipment, facilities, and cybersecurity, and the need to do more with flat revenues. Kerner summarized DHSMV’s agency bill priorities, including requiring a Florida address and proof of residence for vehicle registration, updating identification requirements, aligning tank vehicle and motor carrier rules with federal standards, improving IFTA administration, raising the crash-report damage threshold, and allowing electronic notices. No votes were taken, and the meeting adjourned after the presentations and questions.